Gwynedd Council’s libraries are supporting a national campaign encouraging young people to share a book that has benefited their health and wellbeing.

The campaign is being supported by Tywyn author Manon Steffan Ros.

Following a difficult 2021 for everyone, the Welsh Government’s ‘Winter of Wellbeing’ scheme is offering children and young people help to feel better this year.

As part of the scheme, Gwynedd Library Service, in conjunction with The Reading Agency and Welsh Public Libraries, is raising awareness of how reading can lift the mood and connect families, friends and communities across Wales.

A series of events for school classes such as art workshops, music and story, movement and song sessions will be organised as part of the scheme.

Councillor Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said: "Reading is an important tool in looking after our mental health, and it’s great to see this scheme come to fruition to help the young people of the county following a difficult year last year.

"If you are a young person, or know a young person who is an avid reader, then I encourage you to contribute to the reading list to promote the well-being of young people in Gwynedd and beyond."

Young people are invited to share book suggestions in Welsh or English, be it fiction, non-fiction, poetry or a short story that has helped their mental health in any way. Suggestions will be compiled in a reading list to help others and promote the well-being of young people across Wales.

Tywyn author Manon Steffan Ros said: "Libraries are community hubs and there is nothing like them to centralise the social experience of being in a community, or to democratise knowledge. I wrote quite a few books in my local library and I came to see not only how librarians were brilliant at welcoming young people, finding and recommending books for them, but also building social connections with everyone who came in, and introducing them to others through groups and events, too.

“Young people don’t always think of libraries as their space, but it really is and this campaign will showcase all that libraries can offer them.

“I always go back to certain books that make me feel good, especially in the winter. Books can introduce you to others just like you. Make you realise you’re not alone, even if it feels that way. I am so looking forward to see what children and young people recommend.”